Kanye West has been widely condemned for his recent string of anti-Semitic remarks, but the rapper has made controversial remarks before.
45 years old, legal name change Yes A full documentary about him was shelved last year, and his agency, fashion label Balenciaga and his bank JP Morgan dropped him. Adidas becomes the latest company to end its partnership with West.
Here’s what West said and other controversial comments he’s made in the past.
What are his most recent comments?
West earlier this month tweeted He was “doing a death hoax on Jews 3” before claiming he was not “anti-Semitic because black people are actually Jews too”.
“You guys played with me and tried to blacklist anyone who opposes your agenda,” he added.
This post has been deleted.
He previously took to Instagram to accuse record producer Sean “Diddy” Combs of being “Jewish” in control.
What’s the reaction?
Many condemned West’s remarks, and some brands distanced themselves from him.
He was restricted from posting, commenting and messaging on Instagram and locked his account on Twitter.
in response to the West Said to acquire social media platform Parlerwhich positions itself as a “neutral social media app dedicated to freedom of expression, civic speech, and user privacy.”
his ex-wife Kim Kardashian condemn his commentsposted on Instagram and Twitter: “Hate speech is never good or forgivable. I stand with the Jewish community and call for an immediate end to the horrific violence and hate speech directed against them.”
In 2020, she opened up about her then-husband’s struggle with bipolar disorder.
“Those who were close to Kanye knew his heart and understood that his words were sometimes not in line with his intentions,” she said.
Image: Associated Press
Comedian Sarah Silverman responded to his latest remarks on Twitter: “Kanye threatened Jews on Twitter yesterday and it’s not even trending. Why are most only Jews against Jewish hatred? Silence so loud.”
Some, however, supported the rapper, and an anti-Semitic hate group in the US reportedly unfurled a banner on an overpass in Los Angeles that read “Kanye is right about Jews” and paid a Nazi salute.
The move was met with backlash on social media, with Silverman sharing a photo of the demonstration with the caption: “Let me guess: It’s not time to be scared.”
Actor and writer Dan Levy did the same, commenting: “Fuck this ignorant, dangerous bull****”.
Actor Florence Pugh shared a photo of the banner on her Instagram Story, writing: “Absolutely shocking.”
Reese Witherspoon tweeted: “Anti-Semitism of any kind is pathetic. In people. Online. Wherever it is. It’s hateful and unacceptable.
“Totally understand why my Jewish friends/colleagues are scared for their families. This is a very scary time.”
What did he say in the past?
West has made other controversial remarks recently, including suggesting slavery is “an option” and calling a COVID-19 vaccine “the mark of the beast.”
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, he caused a stir at Paris Fashion Week by wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, said White Lives Matter was a neo-Nazi group.
On Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show, West made some comments about Jews and money.
He has previously been criticized for expressing support for Donald Trump and wearing a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat.
West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017 and spoke about his mental health.
In a 2019 interview with David Letterman, he said: “When you’re in this state, you’re extremely paranoid about everything, everyone.
“That’s my experience, other people have had different experiences. Everyone is an actor now. Everything is a conspiracy. You feel like the government put chips in your head. You feel like you’re being recorded. You feel all these things. “
Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings, ranging from very high to very low, according to the NHS website.
Patients may experience episodes of mania and depression that typically last for weeks or months.
People with bipolar disorder may make unusual and risky decisions, often without realizing their harmful effects.
However, commentators say a person’s mental health cannot be an excuse for their offensive behavior.
Ari Emanuel, CEO of entertainment and media company Endeavour Financial Times: “Mental illness is not an excuse for racism, hatred or anti-Semitism. Millions of people with mental illness do not perpetuate hate ideology. Others see his comments as words, but hate speech too easily turns into hateful acts .”